Acute myelogenous leukemias are caused by point mutations as well as several different types of chromosomal translocations, but little is known about how these genetic defects lead to disruptions in hematopoiesis and eventual leukemogenesis. Two recent studies suggest that the resulting mutant gene products can alter function of the transcription factor C/EBPα and tip the balance from differentiation toward cancer (pages 444–451).
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Renee Lucas
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Hiebert, S. Differentiation or leukemia: Is C/EBPα the answer?. Nat Med 7, 407–408 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/86461
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/86461
